What kind of fungus is ringworm

It happens mainly in children between the ages of 2 to It rarely happens in adults. Symptoms of scalp ringworm may include:. Ringworm of the scalp can also develop into a kerion, a large, tender lesion over the area of the initial ringworm. This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the ringworm and may be associated with a rash elsewhere and tender lymph nodes in the neck. Nail infection tinea unguium. An infection of the finger or toe nail, this type is characterized by a thickened, deformed nail.

This condition more often affects the toenails than the fingernails. It happens more often in adolescents and adults rather than young children. Symptoms of nail ringworm may include:. Body ringworm tinea corporis. This skin infection is characterized by a ring-like rash anywhere on the body or the face. It happens in all ages, but is seen more often in children. It is more common in warmer climates.

The symptoms of body ringworm may include:. Ferri FF. Tinea corporis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Accessed Aug. Office of Patient Education. Fungal infection: Ringworm of the body. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Goldstein AO, et al. Dermatophyte tinea infections. Superficial fungal infection. Ringworm risk and prevention.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ringworm of the skin makes the skin itchy and red and creates a round patchy rash that has raised borders and a clear center. Ringworm of the nails may affect one or more nails on the hands or feet. The nails may become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle. Ringworm is fairly easy to diagnose and treat. Most of the time, the doctor can diagnose it by looking at it or by scraping off a small sample of the flaky infected skin to test for the fungus.

The doctor may recommend an antifungal ointment for ringworm of the skin. For ringworm of the scalp or nails, where the infection is usually deeper in the skin, the doctor may prescribe a syrup or pill to take by mouth. Whatever treatment is chosen, your child should take the medicine as long as it is prescribed, even if the rash seems to be getting better. If not, the ringworm can come back. An antifungal shampoo prescribed by the doctor also can help prevent the spread of the fungal spores.

If your child was sent home from school for ringworm, he or she should be able to attend school again after starting treatment. Ringworm usually spreads from fallen hair or skin cells, so it's important to encourage kids to avoid sharing combs, brushes, pillows, and hats with others. It can also be passed on objects like combs, brushes, hats, towels, or clothing. Minor skin injuries such as scratches , too much exposure to heat and humidity, and some health conditions such as diabetes, obesity , or immune system problems can make a person more likely to develop it.

A doctor can often diagnose ringworm just by looking at it and asking questions about the symptoms and the child's lifestyle. Sometimes the doctor will scrape off a small sample of the flaky infected skin to look at under a microscope or to test in a laboratory.

Using over-the-counter OTC antifungal creams, sprays, or powders may solve a mild infection. Ringworm on the nails or scalp usually is treated with medicine taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. An antifungal shampoo prescribed by the doctor can help prevent the spread to other people. Your child should use the medicine as long as is recommended, even if the rash seems to be getting better. If not, the infection can come back and spread to other parts of the body.

To help heal the skin, it's important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Your child should:. Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.

But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp. Reviewed by: Michelle P. Tellado, MD.